Dumpy level?
A very old Dumpy level,
More of a collectors Piece now.
More of a collectors Piece now.
I thought they were called Optical Levels or Builders level?
They are! Dumpy level is industry slang for an Optical Level or Builders level, any instrument that measures the horizontal level or plane via a Staff and crosshair can fall into this category.
Traditionally Dumpy levels would show the location your pointing upside down but since the advent of Auto-levels this problem has been addressed. Auto-Levels should not be confused with Self Levelling Lasers though, they are something different! read on through our pages for more info there.
They are! Dumpy level is industry slang for an Optical Level or Builders level, any instrument that measures the horizontal level or plane via a Staff and crosshair can fall into this category.
Traditionally Dumpy levels would show the location your pointing upside down but since the advent of Auto-levels this problem has been addressed. Auto-Levels should not be confused with Self Levelling Lasers though, they are something different! read on through our pages for more info there.
Modern day Auto Level
You said something about Auto Level, Whats the auto part when it has no automaticaly moving parts?
As we explained before, with the original and traditional Dumpy Levels, the image used to appear upside down to the user when operating the instrument.
Now that its possible to create modern mirror's that are both accurate and smooth enough to keep the image true, this technology has been implemented in dumpy levels and will 'right' the image to make it appear the correct way up.
The collection of mirrors inside is called the compensator and these are usually suspended by wires to reduce shake and distortion. See below for a quick diagram
As we explained before, with the original and traditional Dumpy Levels, the image used to appear upside down to the user when operating the instrument.
Now that its possible to create modern mirror's that are both accurate and smooth enough to keep the image true, this technology has been implemented in dumpy levels and will 'right' the image to make it appear the correct way up.
The collection of mirrors inside is called the compensator and these are usually suspended by wires to reduce shake and distortion. See below for a quick diagram
So how do i use this level?
Its really simple, all you need is Tripod and a Staff, the staffs are also known as English staffs, E meter staff, E Staff or just simply a graduated rule.
Set the level on top of the tripod, make accurate with the thumbscrews located at the base, this will micro adjust the case by a few mm each way - do this untill the bubble is in the centre of the marker.
Once your level is set correctly, have your team mate stand with the staff vertical and resting at the start of the foundation trench for e.g. and you simply look through the dumpy level and read the markings on the staff as he moves away from you in distance's. From there you can easily see if you need to dig out more or backfill.
Other uses for your dumpy level and staff can include: Determining the height of a particular point, Determining differences in height between points, Determining the contours of a land profile, Providing data for road cross-sections, Providing data to calculate volumes for earthworks, Setting out level surfaces for construction and Setting out inclined surfaces for construction.
To get accurate results these basic guidelines should be followed. Clear lines of sight are needed between known and unknown points. Height precision is dependant upon the accuracy of the instrument used and the distance away your staff is. Always have your levels services and collimated by professionals yearly.
Its really simple, all you need is Tripod and a Staff, the staffs are also known as English staffs, E meter staff, E Staff or just simply a graduated rule.
Set the level on top of the tripod, make accurate with the thumbscrews located at the base, this will micro adjust the case by a few mm each way - do this untill the bubble is in the centre of the marker.
Once your level is set correctly, have your team mate stand with the staff vertical and resting at the start of the foundation trench for e.g. and you simply look through the dumpy level and read the markings on the staff as he moves away from you in distance's. From there you can easily see if you need to dig out more or backfill.
Other uses for your dumpy level and staff can include: Determining the height of a particular point, Determining differences in height between points, Determining the contours of a land profile, Providing data for road cross-sections, Providing data to calculate volumes for earthworks, Setting out level surfaces for construction and Setting out inclined surfaces for construction.
To get accurate results these basic guidelines should be followed. Clear lines of sight are needed between known and unknown points. Height precision is dependant upon the accuracy of the instrument used and the distance away your staff is. Always have your levels services and collimated by professionals yearly.
Optical, Opti-Cal, Survey Equipment, Surveying Equipment, Total Station, Theodolite,
Dumpy Level, Auto Level, Optical Level, Opti-Cal Level, Laser Level, Hire, Tripod, Staff
Dumpy Level, Auto Level, Optical Level, Opti-Cal Level, Laser Level, Hire, Tripod, Staff
